In an era brimming with remakes and remasters – from Diablo 2 Resurrected to Resident Evil 4 and Silent Hill 2 – nostalgia is a powerful force driving consumer demand. Earlier this year, Nightdive Studios delivered a critically acclaimed 25th-anniversary remaster of System Shock 2, which currently boasts an impressive 87% positive rating on Steam. However, in the wake of this successful launch, Atari has announced that the original 1999 version of the game will soon be delisted from Steam. This means if you’ve been wanting to own a standalone copy of the classic, your window of opportunity is rapidly closing.
This move by Atari represents yet another setback for video game preservation. The original System Shock 2 is being removed from Steam as a standalone purchase and will instead be bundled exclusively with its modern remake. Consequently, the seminal first-person shooter will no longer be available for individual purchase.
For those who already own the 1999 version, rest assured, you will still be able to download and play it. Furthermore, if you purchase the remaster, the original 1999 game will be added to your library at no additional cost. While this arrangement isn’t entirely without its merits, the inability to acquire the original as a separate product is far from ideal, especially given that the remaster costs $29.99 / £23.99, which is three times the price of the original’s $9.99 / £6.99 tag.
This trend of classic titles disappearing isn’t new; we’ve witnessed numerous games bite the dust recently, including several Codemasters titles earlier this year. A particularly infamous example is The Crew, which Ubisoft regrettably “nuked” in 2024. Although dedicated modders are striving to bring that racing game back to life, many other delisted titles aren’t so fortunate. On a more positive note, CD Projekt-owned GOG.com continues its valuable work in unearthing and preserving older titles, a program which fortunately includes System Shock 2.
The original 1999 version of System Shock 2 is scheduled to be removed from Steam on Friday, October 10. Act quickly if you wish to purchase it before it becomes part of the remake bundle. If you buy the remaster, you will receive the original version for free, and existing owners retain access.
For sci-fi enthusiasts seeking fresh experiences, consider exploring our recommendations for the best space games. Alternatively, if you find yourself drawn to the timeless appeal of older titles, we also have a comprehensive guide to the best classic PC games.